Religious Scholar

It's getting harder and harder to interact with the arts. I really can't explain it. Today, for example, I was enjoying a special exhibition at a major museum of art. Of course, the museum must take precautions before presenting priceless treasures by Matisse, Marc, Cezanne and others to the public. I can understand why cameras, video recorders, instant webcasting, use of pens, carrying sharp objects, scary backpacks, etc. are forbidden. But twice guards sternly stopped me from sketching with a pencil! Taking notes OK: sketching not.

For some of us who feel a greater empathy with art works when we draw a few lines on a piece of paper, sketching is an integral part of the museum-going experience. And there is a connection between drawing and meditation, something I plan to discuss in an upcoming essay, "Drawing as Meditation."

But why prohibit sketching? Is it a fear that the sketcher will violate some sort of copyright? Most of the pictures I saw today were available through Google images. What about disturbing other viewers? I wasn't setting up an easel in front of a popular work, keeping others from viewing it. The nature of sketching is to be fast and furtive. I doubt anyone noticed I was engaged in the forbidden act until the guards swooped down on me.

I plan to investigate further. If there is a good reason, I will desist at future exhibitions, though at the peril of my own experience of all that art has to offer. Drawing and sketching in museums have a long, honorable tradition, and have led more than one person to a better appreciation of art, the development of their own talent, and an experience that's almost religious.